Ambassador of Pakistan
In 2022, H.E. Ameer Khurram Rathore was appointed as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. In his previous assignment, H.E. Rathore served as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada. In addition, the Ambassador served in Germany, Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, and Egypt as a career diplomat.
Please reflect on the most remarkable achievements of Saudi-Pakistan diplomatic relations for the past five years.
Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a unique bond. Our strong fraternal ties are rooted deeply in shared history, values, culture, mutual respect, and love for each other. The last five years have seen continued vigor and commitment from both sides to take this relationship to new heights. The Kingdom has ushered in a new era of progress and prosperity under the transformative leadership of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030 has opened new economic, political, and cultural growth opportunities for the Kingdom and the regional partners.
In turn, Pakistan has become an attractive destination for investment and business owing to the reforms and implementation of China’s Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. We have, resultantly, identified several complementarities in the fields of culture, entertainment, business, and environment, to name just a few.
The establishment of the Saudi Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) is, therefore, a significant achievement. SPSCC provides an elaborate mechanism for bilateral cooperation from the top to the grass-root level in fields as diverse as sports, trade and investment, renewable energy, food security, and Information Technology (IT). Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed several agreements in the last five years. We have signed more Agreements in the last five years than in the last six decades.
The Kingdom is in the process of economic diversification and transformation. What are the priorities of economic diplomacy of two countries in this transformation?
At the very heart of any economic diversification, plan lies innovation. We are pleased to witness the Kingdom’s drive towards innovation and its resultant dividends in the form of increased growth, particularly in the non-oil sectors. Global supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 were a wake-up call for the world to rethink trade policies and patterns. More recently, the geo-political flux has again challenged traditional trading methods. However, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia complement each other in various economic sectors with a priority to develop a value chain, mutually beneficial for both countries.
There is great potential to broaden our trade ties beyond the traditional commodities. Together, we are exploring new areas for economic cooperation. For example, Pakistan offers great incentives to Saudi companies for investment and business. We have identified key priority sectors for these investments and are working relentlessly to develop strong public and private partnerships in these sectors.
One of the main goals of vision 2030 is to make Saudi Arabia a leading tourism destination. What makes Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for Pakistanis? Why should Saudis visit Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia is already one of the most attractive destinations for Pakistanis as the Kingdom enjoys the unique privilege of the custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques. We are grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for caring for the Pakistanis. Visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina is a lifelong dream for every Pakistani. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the leadership of the Kingdom on their return to the annual Hajj, as before COVID-19.
Reflecting on tourism as such, tourism activity in the Kingdom has increased dramatically. From rich heritage sites in Al-Ula to extravagant beaches, the Kingdom should be a promising tourist destination in the region. I am sure Pakistanis would love to explore Saudi Arabia for these amazing places as they learn about these opportunities.
As for Pakistan, the landscape of Pakistan offers a unique experience for Saudi visitors with some of the highest mountains, meadows, scenic lakes, great rivers, distinctive flora and fauna, and historical sites. Indus Valley, one of the oldest civilizations with its archaeological sites, can be visited in Sindh and Punjab. Each province offers unique cuisine, music, and culture. Sustainable tourism is an area, which has seen many investments in Pakistan, and we hope that more footfall in the country will further enhance the services available for tourists.
As a career diplomat, how does one country’s experience, culture, and traditions influence future diplomatic appointments and professional performance as a diplomat?
Each assignment is a journey that enriches our lives. I have been lucky to represent Pakistan in various countries, absorb the culture and people of each society, and learn about the vitality and resilience of human will. I believe all these places have added something to my personality and have equipped me with the knowledge to perform better.
The world has become incredibly interconnected today, enabling one to experience all cultures in some way. However, nothing truly replaces the experience of living in a place and experiencing its climate, culture, traditions, language, food, and history. Diplomatic assignments give one sufficient time to find bearings, make connections, fall in love with a place, and when the time comes, gracefully say farewell.
How do you see your contribution to taking Saudi-Pakistani relations to the next level?
Every Ambassador aspires to take forward the relationship between his/her country and the country of accreditation. It is a matter of great honor and privilege for me to represent Pakistan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at such a wonderful time when the region and the Kingdom are transforming rapidly. Of all the areas identified for bilateral cooperation, economic collaboration is where I am keen to play an effective role. Likewise, tourism, sports, and cultural cooperation are important for enhancing people-to-people linkages. I am quite hopeful that during my time in the Kingdom, I will be able to contribute significantly toward such cooperation.
What will be your remarks on the concept of the DQ in the advancement of intercultural cooperation?
The DQ provides a comforting backdrop to our otherwise busy work lives. DQ’s environment and infrastructure enable the diplomats to regularly meet each other and organize wonderful formal and informal gatherings. In March, we celebrated our National Day at the beautiful Cultural Palace, a great asset for the DQ. Similarly, its parks and public squares are among the best in the Kingdom. It is a great privilege to be living in such a beautiful setting.
Note: For an overview of tourism in Pakistan, visit Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation http://tourism.gov.pk/pakistan.html
